40th International Conference on Production Engineering of Serbia
ICPES 2025
Nis, Serbia, 18-19th september 2025
HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT OF RECYCLED PRESSURE VESSEL STEEL P460NL1
Tobias Walder, Fabian BOBNER, Thomas Staubmann, Hamdi Elsayed, Fernando Wachomicka, Rudolf Vallant
DOI: 10.46793/ICPES25.145W
Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) presents a critical challenge to the structural integrity of pressure vessels, especially those manufactured from recycled steel. This study explores the susceptibility of recycled P460 NL1 pressure vessel steel to hydrogen induced degradation. A comprehensive approach is employed, combining Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT) under electrochemical hydrogen charging, metallographic analysis, and Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy (TDS), to investigate the influence of microstructural characteristics on mechanical performance and hydrogen uptake. Both base metal and welded specimens are examined to assess the effects of welding on hydrogen behavior. Additionally, detailed microstructural investigations are carried out to evaluate the role of non-metallic inclusions, specifically their number, size, and morphology in the embrittlement mechanisms of both recycled and conventionally produced steels.This study aims to elucidate the relationship between hydrogen absorption, inclusions, and microstructural features in recycled steels, which are increasingly utilized in sustainable engineering applications. The findings are expected to enhance the understanding of embrittlement mechanisms in recycled steels and support the development of effective mitigation strategies against hydrogen-related failures
P460NL1, HE, Electrochemical hydrogen charging, SSRT, TDS
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